2009-10 Men's Basketball News

March 4, 2010Men's Hoop Season Ends at Robert Morris with 71-63 LossThe Central Connecticut men's basketball season came to an end on Thursday night with a 71-63 loss at second seed Robert Morris in the quarterfinal round of the Northeast Conference Tournament. Sophomore Robby Ptacek scored a career-high 26 points in the game for Central, which finishes the season 12-18 overall with the loss. The Blue Devils won seven of their final 11 to end the season.

March 1, 2010Freshman Joe Efese Named Northeast Conference Rookie of the WeekFreshman Joe Efese was named the Northeast Conference men's basketball Rookie of the Week on Monday. Efese becomes the first Blue Devil to be honored by the NEC this season. The Blue Devils won a pair of home games last week to qualify for their 12th straight NEC Tournament, and will play at 7 p.m. on Thursday night at Robert Morris. Central finished the regular season 12-17 and 9-9 in league action, good for the #7 seed.

February 27, 2010Seymore Hits 1,000 as Blue Devils Qualify for Northeast Conference TournamentThe Central Connecticut men's basketball team won when it needed to on Saturday afternoon. With the 68-56 victory over St. Francis (NY), the Blue Devils earned their 12th consecutive trip to next week's Northeast Conference Tournament. With the win the Blue Devils improve to 12-17 overall and finish league action 9-9, good for seventh place. They will play on Thursday night at Robert Morris in the first round of the NEC Tournament.

February 25, 2010Men's Hoops Tops Long Island 74-65 at HomeThe Central Connecticut men's basketball team won for the fifth time in its last seven home games, topping Long Island 74-65 on Thursday night in New Britain. With the win Central improves to 11-17 overall and 8-9 in Northeast Conference play. The Blue Devils were led by freshman Joe Efese who scored 12 points, grabbed seven boards and became only the second player in CCSU history to record eight blocks in a game. With the loss the Blackbirds are now 12-16 overall and 10-7 in the league. Central returns to action on Saturday and will celebrate Senior Day when they host St. Francis (NY) beginning at 1 p.m.

February 20, 2010Men's Hoop Hangs On for 62-60 Victory at Wagner on Saturday NightSophomore Robby Ptacek scored 19 points and the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team snapped a three-game losing streak with a 62-60 win on the road at Wagner on Saturday. With the win the Blue Devils move into an eighth place tie with St. Francis (NY) with a 7-9 Northeast Conference record. Central currently holds the tie-breaker with the Terriers, but the two teams will meet in the final regular season game of the season next Saturday in New Britain. Central plays again at home on Thursday night hosting Long Island at 7:30 p.m.

February 18, 2010Blue Devils Drop Third Straight on the Road at Mount St. Mary'sThe Central Connecticut men's basketball team lost its third straight game, dropping a 85-58 decision on the road at Mount St. Mary's on Thursday night. Junior guard Shemik Thompson led the offense with 22 points, including 20 in the first half. It marked his fourth 20-point game of the season. With the loss the Blue Devils fall to 9-17 overall and 6-9 in Northeast Conference play. The Mount improves to 12-14 and 9-6 in the NEC with their seventh straight win.

February 13, 2010Central Men Drop Second Straight Home Game, Fall to St. Francis (PA) Red Flash on SaturdayThe Central Connecticut men's basketball team dropped its second straight game, falling 59-57 to visiting St. Francis (PA) on Saturday afternoon. The loss drops the Blue Devils to 9-16 overall and 6-8 in Northeast Conference play. Junior David Simmons led the offense with 14 points. Central is off until Thursday night when they play on the road at Mount St. Mary's beginning at 7 p.m. The game will be televised live on MSG, Cox Sports and MASN.

February 11, 2010Men's Hoop Four-Game Win Streak Snapped vs. Robert MorrisJunior Shemik Thompson had 16 points and seven assists but league-leader Robert Morris stopped the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team, 69-60, on Thursday night. Freshman Joe Efese scored a career-high 14 points in the loss for the Blue Devils, who had won four straight entering the game. Central returns to action on Saturday at 1 p.m. hosting St. Francis (PA) in New Britain.

February 6, 2010Junior Shemik Thompson Leads Blue Devils to Fourth Straight VictoryJunior Shemik Thompson scored 16 second half points and led the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team to a 61-48 home victory on Saturday over Bryant. Thompson finished the game with 24 points as the Blue Devils improve to 9-14 overall and even their Northeast Conference record at 6-6. Central plays again on Thursday night hosting Robert Morris beginning at 8 p.m.

February 4, 2010Blue Devils Win Third Straight on the Road at Bryant on Thursday NightSenior guard Joe Seymore scored 19 points, and the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team won its third straight game, topping Bryant, 60-34, on the road on Thursday night. The win is the third straight for the Blue Devils who improve to 8-14 overall and 5-6 in Northeast Conference play. The two teams will play each other again on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in New Britain in Detrick Gym.

January 30, 2010Blue Devils Win Third Straight at Home, Top Fairleigh Dickinson on Saturday AfternoonThe Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team won basketball team won back-to-back games for the first time this season, topping Fairleigh Dickinson 77-67 on Saturday afternoon. Central led by as many as 19 in the first half, but needed a late surge in the second half to improve to 4-6 in Northeast Conference play and 7-14 overall. Junior Shemik Thompson led the Blue Devils with 24 points in the victory. They improve to 5-2 at home this season.

January 28, 2010Blue Devils Top Monmouth 66-44 on Thursday Night at HomeJunior Markeys Deans scored 16 points, grabbed eight boards and dished out six assists as the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team topped Monmouth 66-44 on Thursday night in New Britain. Sophomore Chris Baskerville added a career-high 16 points and senior Joe Seymore scored 15 as the Blue Devils improve to 6-14 overall and 3-6 in Northeast Conference play. Central returns to action on Saturday hosting Fairleigh Dickinson at 1 p.m.

January 24, 2010Men's Basketball Falls on the Road at Quinnipiac on Sunday AfternoonJuniors Shemik Thompson and Markeys Deans each scored 12 points, but the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team dropped its second straight game, 75-62, at Quinnipiac on Sunday afternoon. Central returns to action at home on Thursday night hosting Monmouth beginning at 7:30 p.m. The game will be televised live on Cox Sports Television.

January 21, 2010Men's Basketball Falls on the Road at Sacred Heart on Thursday NightJunior Markeys Deans scored 18 points, but the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team dropped a 71-53 decision on the road at Sacred Heart on Thursday night. With the loss the Blue Devils fall to 5-13 overall and 2-5 in Northeast Conference play. The game was the second meeting in the last five days for the two teams. Central won 88-65 at home on Saturday. The Blue Devils return to action on Sunday at noon at Quinnipiac. The game will be televised live on NESN and on ESPN360.com.

January 16, 2010Shemik Thompson's Career-High Leads Blue Devils to NEC Home Win Over Sacred HeartJunior guard Shemik Thompson scored a career-high 27 points as the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team snapped a six-game losing streak with a 88-65 victory over Sacred Heart on Saturday afternoon. With the win the Blue Devils improve to 5-12 overall and 2-4 in Northeast Conference play. Freshman Devan Bailey and sophomore Chris Baskerville also posted career-highs in the win. Central and Sacred Heart will meet again on Thursday night in Fairfield beginning at 7:45 p.m.

January 14, 2010Blue Devils Drop Sixth Straight Game, Fall to Quinnipiac at HomeThe Central Connecticut State University men's basketball dropped its sixth straight game, falling to Quinnipiac at home by a score of 76-45. The Blue Devils fall to 4-12 overall and 1-4 in Northeast Conference play. Junior Shemik Thompson led the Blue Devils with 12 points, while senior Joe Seymore added 10 points, five rebounds and three steals in the defeat.

January 11, 2010Central Men Drop First Home Game of the Season, 73-63, to Savannah StateThe Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team dropped its fifth straight game with a 73-63 loss at home to Savannah State on Monday night. With the loss the Blue Devils fall to 4-11 overall on the season. It was their final non-conference game of the year, and their first home loss. Central returns to action on Thursday night, hosting Quinnipiac at 7:30 p.m. in Northeast Conference play. The game will be televised live on Cox Sports Television.

January 9, 2010Men's Hoops Drops Fourth Straight, Fall 83-74 at Fairleigh Dickinson on Saturday NightSophomore Robby Ptacek scored 21 points and the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball shot 52.1 percent floor, but the Blue Devils dropped their fourth straight game, 83-74, on Saturday night at Fairleigh Dickinson. Four Blue Devils scored in double figures in the game, and the Blue Devils committed only nine turnovers in the game. Central returns to action on Monday night hosting Savannah State beginning at 7:30 p.m.

January 7, 2010Central Men Drop Third Straight at Monmouth on Thursday NightThe Central Connecticut men's basketball team dropped its third straight game with a 55-42 loss at Monmouth on Thursday night. With the loss the Blue Devils fall to 4-9 overall and 1-2 in Northeast Conference play. Junior Markeys Deans led the offense with 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds for Central. The Blue Devils return to action again on Saturday night at Fairleigh Dickinson beginning at 7:30 p.m.

January 4, 2010Men's Basketball Drops Second Straight at Colgate on Monday NightSophomore Robby Ptacek scored 16 second half points but the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team dropped its second straight game, 64-45, on Monday night at Colgate. With the loss the Blue Devils fall to 4-8 overall on the season. Junior Shemik Thompson added eight points, five rebounds and three assists for Central in the loss. They return to action on Thursday night at Monmouth as they continue league action against the Hawks beginning at 7 p.m.

January 2, 2010Blue Devils Drop 70-53 Decision to Holy Cross at the Mohegan Sun ArenaThe Central Connecticut State University men's basketball fell to 4-7 overall on the season with a 70-53 defeat to Holy Cross on Saturday afternoon. The game was played at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Central was led by Junior David Simmons who had his third double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds. The Blue Devils return to action on Monday night playing on the road at Colgate.

December 30, 2009Blue Devils Move to 2-0 at Home with 89-86 Double Overtime Victory Over UMBCSophomore Robby Ptacek scored 23 points and dished out five assists as the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team topped UMBC 89-86 in double overtime on Wednesday night. Senior Joe Seymore scored a season-high 15 points and hit three threes as Central improved to 4-6 overall on the season and 2-0 at home. The Blue Devils return to action on Saturday at 5 p.m. against Holy Cross at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

December 22, 2009Men's Basketball Drops Non-Conference Decision at Northwestern on Tuesday NightSophomore Robby Ptacek scored 22 points and made 8-of-8 from the free throw line but the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team dropped a 74-54 decision on the road at Northwestern on Tuesday night. Central, now 3-6 on the season, is off until they host UMBC at home on Dec. 30. Central outrebounded the Wildcats 35-28 in the game, including a game-high seven by junior David Simmons.

December 17, 2009Men's Basketball to Hold Youth Clinic on Saturday Afternoon in Detrick GymThe Central Connecticut men's basketball team will hold a free youth clinic in Detrick Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon, beginning at 3 p.m. The clinic, held every season, will feature the players and coaching staff of the Blue Devils and run for one hour. Children grades K-6 are welcome to attend, there is no charge for the event and parents are encourage to stay and take pictures.

December 12, 2009Blue Devils Win in Overtime Against Albany in Home OpenerSophomore Vince Rosario hit five threes and scored a career-high 17 points as the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team improved to 3-5 with a 70-68 win at home on Saturday against Albany. The Blue Devils, who played their first seven games away from home this season, were playing in Detrick Gym for the first time in 2009-10. Junior David Simmons posted his second double-double of the season with 11 points and a career-high 16 rebounds in the win.

December 9, 2009Men's Basketball Drops 67-55 Decision at New Hampshire on Wednesday NightJunior guard Shemik Thompson scored a season-high 20 points but the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team dropped a 67-55 decision on the road at New Hampshire on Wednesday night. With the loss Central drops to 2-5 overall on the season. They return to action on Saturday in their home opener at 2 p.m. against Albany.

December 5, 2009Men's Basketball Drops 69-65 Decision at LIUSenior Joe Seymore and junior David Simmons each scored 15 points, but Central Connecticut State University fell to Long Island University by a score of 69-65 on the road on Saturday afternoon. The Blue Devils fall to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in the Northeast Conference, while LIU improves to 4-3 on the season and 2-0 in NEC play.

December 3, 2009Simmons' Double-Double Leads Central Past St. Francis (NY) 63-50Junior David Simmons recorded a career high 14 rebounds and added 11 points for his fifth career double-double to lead Central Connecticut State University to a 63-50 road victory over St. Francis (NY) on Thursday night. Junior Shemik Thompson led the Blue Devils with 17 points as they improve to 2-3 overall and start the Northeast Conference season 1-0. The Terriers fall to 1-5 and 0-1 in the NEC.

November 29, 2009Men's Basketball Falls 67-53 at The Citadel on Sunday NightSophomore Robby Ptacek scored a career-high 24 points but the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball dropped a 67-53 decision on the road at The Citadel on Sunday night. With the loss the Blue Devils fall to 1-3 on the season. Ptacek hit 8-of-16 shots from the floor and 4-of-7 from three in the loss. The Blue Devils return to action on Thursday night at St. Francis (NY) as they open Northeast Conference play at 7 p.m. against the Terriers.

November 28, 2009Men's Basketball Tops Savannah State 51-44 on Saturday Night in CharlestonThe Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team improved to 1-2 overall on the season with a 51-44 victory against Savannah State on Saturday night. The Blue Devils, who shot 46 percent from the floor in the win, were led by sophomore Robby Ptacek who had a game-high 16 points to go along with seven boards. Central, who lost to Savannah State last week 53-45, will be in action again on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. facing The Citadel.

November 16, 2009Men's Basketball Falls on the Road at Savannah State, 53-45, on Monday NightThe Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team dropped to 0-2 on the season with a 53-45 loss on the road at Savannah State on Monday night. The Blue Devils were led by junior captain Shemik Thompson who had a team-high 12 points while sophomore Robby Ptacek added 11 and six rebounds. Freshman Joe Efese finished the game with seven points and four blocks. Central is off until Nov. 28 when they will play Savannah State again in the first game of the Skip Prosser Tournament at The Citadel.

November 13, 2009Men's Basketball Drops 67-58 Decision to Fairfield in Connecticut 6 ClassicThe Central Connecticut men's basketball team opened its 2009-10 season with a 67-58 setback against Fairfield at the Connecticut 6 Classic on Friday night. Sophomores Vince Rosario and Robby Ptacek each scored 15 points and had four rebounds in the loss. Junior captain Shemik Thompson had nine points and four assists for Central. The Blue Devils return to action on Monday night at 7 p.m. at Savannah State.

November 13, 2009Men's and Women's Basketball Teams Open Season TonightThe men's and women's basketball teams open the 2009-10 seasons tonight on the road. The men's team faces Fairfield at 7:30 p.m. in the inaugural Connecticut 6 Classic being held at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport. The women's team in on the road at Maine beginning at 7 p.m. Check below for ways to follow the live action as the Blue Devils tip-off another basketball season.

November 4, 2009Blue Devils Picked Fifth; Junior Ken Horton Named to Pre-Season All-Conference Team But Will Miss the 2009-10 SeasonThe Central Connecticut State University men's basketball team was picked to finish fifth in the Northeast Conference preseason coaches poll, announced on Wednesday. Junior forward Ken Horton, one of the top scorers in the league last season and a second-team All-NEC selection, was chosen to the preseason All-Conference Team. It was also announced that Horton will sit out the 2009-10 season because of an injury. The Blue Devils open the season on Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Connecticut 6 Classic in Bridgeport, CT against Fairfield.

October 14, 2009Chris Baskerville Wins CCSU Men's Basketball Blue Devil Run on WednesdaySophomore Chris Baskerville dethroned defending champion Vince Rosario in the 14th Annual Blue Devil Run on Wednesday afternoon in New Britain. Baskerville finished the course in 23:00 flat, the fastest winning time since Javier Mojica won it in 22:45 prior to the 2006-07 season. The Blue Devil run takes place on a 3.7 mile course adjacent to the Central campus.

August 31, 2009Central Connecticut State University Men's Basketball Releases 2009-10 ScheduleThe 2009-10 edition of the Central Connecticut State University men's basketball schedule was released on Monday afternoon. The Blue Devils will open the season on Friday, Nov. 13 against Fairfield at the inaugural Connecticut 6 Classic being played at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport. Central will host non-conference games against Albany, UMBC and Savannah State and travel to non-conference games at Savannah State, New Hampshire, Northwestern and Colgate. The Blue Devils will also face Holy Cross at the Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday, Jan. 2., as part of a doubleheader. Rhode Island and Oklahoma State will complete the doubleheader that night.